Migration from post-war southern Syria : drivers, routes, and destinations

Abstract

Since its beginnings in 2011, the Syrian conflict has induced large-scale internal and external migration. Though fighting subsided in southern Syria in July 2018, Syrians have continued to flee the region, relocating to neighbouring countries, or looking for safe passage to Europe. Drawing on a series of qualitative surveys, as well as semi-structured interviews with migrants and prospective migrants, this research paper investigates the factors underlying migration from Daraa governorate in 2021. It explores the determinants, the routes, and the costs of legal and illegal migration. It also examines the impact existing social networks and changes in state policies have on migrants’ destination choices.